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| The interisland cruise is quite nice, but we were so tired we slept during most of it |
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| From Blenheim to Nelson, vineyards cover most of the landscape |
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| Everywhere, there are houses to sell. Wanna make an offer for this one ? |
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| Abel Tasman National Park. We arrived at the south part of it, Marahau. |
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| Since we arrived too late for walks or kayak tours, we decided to go to the north part of the Park. Here we are on Takaka hill. |
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| At Ngarua, it is possible to visit caves in the Marble mountain. |
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| From this moutain, marble had been extracted, used for example in the building of Wellington's Parliament House or Wellington's cathedral. |
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| This cave is also tthe location of the yet-to-be-released "The Hobbit" |
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| Remains of Moas can be seen (Moa were now-extinct giant flightless birds) |
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| Walking here without a guide can be dangerous: there are lots of sink holes |
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| Next to Pohara, one can see the rare Blue Penguins |
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| Unfortunately, we didn't see these ones |
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| Tarakohe |
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| Finally arrive at the Noth part of Abel Tasman Park |
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| We decided to have a walk through the forest |
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| ... nIce views everywhere ... |
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| ... and arrived at Anapai Bay |
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| Funny trees all around |
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| Small streams dig clear cliffs in the sand |
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| This tree seem to be floating, most of his base is gone. |
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| Some trees are old. So old, that other plants and trees have time to grow on their branches ! |
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| Another bird I can't name. |
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| The next morning we are off for a tandem-kayak tour along the coast from Marahau to Anchorage. |
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| Wild forests ... |
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| ... clear sea water ... |
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| ... caves and weird rock formations ... |
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| ... nice beaches ... |
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| ... tea break ! |
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| We saw seals too along the island in the background |
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| After few hours of kayak, it is possible to walk (northward) to reach the taxi boat at Torrent Bay and come back to Marahau (to the south) |
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| Views are splendid |
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| Sand beaches are amazing |
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| :) |
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| Yet another bird I don't know. This one uses his beak to dig in the sand. |
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| Back to Marahau |
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| A heron ? |
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| Some farms have regular animals like donkeys ... |
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| ... some have dears ! |
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| Folded hills |
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| More folded hills |
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| This might be the Buller river (or not) |
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| Westport city hall |
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| Cape Foulwind |
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| This one was really not shy, and running between cars |
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| Tauranga Bay |
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| How many seals can you spot ? you can submit your answer in the comments :) |
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| This picture should help |
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| Along the West Coast road, we can see the beginning of the South Alps |
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| Winding roads, beaches of all sorts and weird rock formations |
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| Basically, one has to stop at every corner for a picture |
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| Punakaiki offers a short walk through local flora ... |
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| ... to the famous Pancake rocks |
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| Truly amazing place |
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| Bak to the parking |
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| Weather gets darker as we head south |
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